Training your dog to be left alone

Learning to be left alone is an important part of your dog's training and will help prevent your dog from ever becoming anxious when by themselves - also known as separation anxiety.

So if you have recently welcomed a dog or puppy into your family it's really important to teach them that being left at home is fun! Read on to discover how to teach your dog it's ok to be left alone...

Preventing separation-related behaviour

Follow the simple steps below and gradually increase the time you leave your dog alone. Associate the training experience with something pleasant (for example, treats, toys, praise). Remember every dog is different. Progress at a speed that suits your dog's reaction - and never extend the training to the point that it becomes distressing for your dog.

Step 1

Begin by encouraging your dog to go to their bed and stay there for a short while with you present. Reward your dog for remaining quietly in their bed.

Step 2

Ask your dog to stay, while you move away. Return and reward.

Step 3

Continue this routine, moving progressively further away and for longer periods of time. The distance and length of time that you increase on occasion will depend on your dog. If your dog reacts or moves, don't reward them and never punish them - instead go back to the previous stage.

Step 4

Progress the training and start exiting the room before returning. Next, go out and shut the door behind you before staying outside for longer periods of time. Once at this point, start to vary the length of time that you are out.

Step 5

Once you reach the stage where your dog is happy to be left for up to an hour there should be no problems leaving them for longer periods.

How to treat separation anxiety that has already manifested

If you believe your dog is already showing signs of separation anxiety, find out what you can do you help 

 

How to look after a puppy

Buying a puppy and bringing them home is exciting and a bit daunting. Our guide to puppy care will help you give your puppy the best start in life, and avoid any potential problems later on.

Up to 8 weeks - before you bring your puppy home

Wherever your puppy came from the previous owner should have done a few things including:

• organising their first puppy vaccination,
• started toilet training,
• begun the puppies socialisation - positively introducing new situations and people.

Before bringing them home you'll need to prepare your puppies new home by:

• Providing time and space for your puppy to play, and toys to keep them stimulated.  
• Providing a crate, hiding places and/or cosy bed in a quiet, draft-free place where your puppy can rest undisturbed.  
• Taking a blanket from the puppy's first home away with you for familiarity and comfort.  
• Removing anything poisonous or that you don't want them chewing.  
• Finding a vet, puppy classes and getting pet insurance.

8-12 weeks - bringing your puppy home

This is an important time for your puppy, what they learn and experience now will shape future behaviour. Your puppy isn't fully vaccinated yet but it's important to continue socialisation by exposing your puppy positively to experiences like:

• Meeting other healthy, fully vaccinated dogs and cats.  
• Carrying them around outside to introduce them to new people, sights and sounds.  
• Gradually introducing them to the car, grooming, being handled and having their ears, eyes and other body parts checked.

You should also:

• Begin to leave them alone for short periods to prevent separation related behaviour.  
• Establish a consistent routine and rules. Reward good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour.  
• Feed them the same puppy food as they had before and keep the same routine with small, regular meals.  
• Continuing puppy toilet training by rewarding them when they go outside.

12 weeks onwards - puppy training and socialisation

Your puppy can have their second vaccinations around now, also ask your vet about worming, flea treatment and neutering.

• Once your puppy is fully vaccinated, you can socialise them outside.  
• Good puppy classes are a great way to boost their confidence and learn basic training.  
• Knowing what your puppy likes (favourite food or toys) can motivate them during training.  
• Growing and learning is tiring so let them rest regularly and keep training sessions short and fun.     
• If your puppy's crate trained let them use it as a safe haven.

6 months onwards - further dog training and neutering

Puppies are still learning so continue reward-based training and keep all experiences positive.

• Speak to your vet if you have any concerns about your puppy.  
• If your puppy is ready to progress onto more advanced dog training classes.  
• Dietary needs will change and your puppy will need to gradually move to adult dog food.  
• If you haven't already, ask your vet about neutering.

By keeping experiences positive from day one, you'll help your puppy grow into a confident adult dog, making life more enjoyable for you both.

 

Separation anxiety in dogs

Often referred to as separation anxiety, separation related behaviour (SRB) is behaviour that only occurs when the dog is separated from their owner and in many cases is because they are feeling distressed. Telltale indicators include destructive behaviour, unwanted toileting or reports of howling/barking.

Other signs may not always be obvious (you won't be there to hear whining or see pacing). Taking the time to check for these signs by filming your dog when home alone will help you reveal any potential issues (even if you don't believe there to be any).

In fact, research suggests that 8 out of 10 of dogs will find it hard to cope when left alone, but half of these won't show any obvious signs, so it can be very easy for owners to miss. The good news though is that SRB is preventable.

Signs and symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs

You may know the obvious signs of separation anxiety in dogs, such as destroying furniture or barking, but did you know that there are other signs that you may be missing? Returning to a dog who is really happy to see you doesn't mean that he or she hasn't been suffering silently while you've been out...

The most common behavioural signs of separation anxiety in dogs are:

• Destructive behaviour (targeted at the door you left the house from), chewing and destroying furniture
• Various types of vocalisation (howling and barking) 
• Toileting (weeing or pooing)

Other less frequent signs (that can be more easily missed) include:

• Trembling, whining or pacing
• Excessive salivation
• Self-mutilation
• Repetitive behaviour 
• Vomiting

How to tell that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety and not another issue

One of the main differentiating features between separation-related behaviour and other behavioural disorders with similar signs is that the behaviour is in response to the owner leaving and is displayed soon after their departure. Normally starting within 30 minutes, and often, within the first few minutes.

Even if you think your dog is happy left alone, every once in a while check for 'hidden' signs that your dog may be distressed by filming your pet whilst you're out.

Why your dog finds it difficult to cope when left alone

There are several reasons that dogs find it difficult to cope when left alone. Some dogs will be looking for things to do to entertain themselves whilst their owner is away, while others will be very distressed when separated from their owner. However, there are things that you can do...

 

Barking dogs - what can I do?

Dogs bark for many different reasons. A dog may bark to express how they are feeling - for example, when they are excited, frustrated, bored or scared. If a dog feels threatened they may bark to tell somebody to stay away or leave.

Other times, dogs may bark because they want something in particular, such as their favourite toy. Dogs may also bark when they are in distress - for example - when they are left alone.

Barking is a form of communication and is a completely normal dog behaviour. However, if the amount your dog barks increases or becomes excessive it can be a sign that something isn't right and it may cause problems for other people. If this happens it's important to address any underlying problems which could be causing your dog to bark more.

My dog has started barking a lot more than usual

If your dog is barking excessively or more than usual, there may be an underlying health issue - for example, any problems with your dog's hearing which could be causing the barking. If you suspect your dog's hearing is suffering speak to your vet.

My dog barks when left alone

If your dog is barking when you're not around they may be experiencing distress when you are not present. Separation related behaviour or separation anxiety can show itself in a number of ways including barking. The good news is that there are things you can do to help, as well as determine what the cause of the barking may be.

My dog barks at visitors or passers-by

Some dogs will bark at people passing by your house or garden. You can try preventing your dog from seeing anybody passing the house by reducing access to windows or gardens.

It's a good idea to have tasty treats and exciting toys to hand - you can use these to distract your dog should they hear somebody and then start to feed/play once your dog has become quiet. It's best to seek the help of a dog trainer or behaviour expert if your dog is behaving in this way - they can put a training plan in place to reduce the behaviour.

Ways to help stop your dog barking excessively:

Prevent boredom - dogs are intelligent, active and social animals so they need lots of exercise, things to do and company to keep them happy and healthy. If your dog is bored they might spend more time barking. Make sure your dog has enough to do every day to stop them getting bored.

• Establish a good routine - Your dog may be barking to communicate they want to play, or that they want food or attention. Make sure that you have a daily routine in place for your dog which includes meal times, play and exercise, at around the same time each day. A good routine can help your dog to know what and when activities are going to happen and may help stop them barking for activities at other times!
• Dogs bark for so many different reasons and so it's necessary to discover what the cause for their barking is. Asking for advice from an expert can help you understand what is causing the behaviour and they will be able to point you in the right direction for help. For expert help, contact a qualified dog behaviourist who will be able to put a treatment plan together for you and your dog.

Find a clinical animal behaviourist near you

Reporting a barking dog

The occasional bark or 'woof' is usually not a problem for neighbours and others in the community but when barking becomes disruptive it's often considered unacceptable and unpleasant to many people.

If you're concerned about a dog barking excessively near you there are things you can do:

• Speak to the owner. They may not be aware there's an issue, or they may be using some of the advice above to try and resolve the issue.
• If speaking to your neighbour hasn't worked or isn't an option, try contacting your local council about the noise complaint. This can help resolve the underlying issue, or if there is a welfare complaint they will contact us. Contact your local council about a barking dog .

Find a dog trainer | Pet Lovers

 

Find a dog trainer

Why train your dog?

Training your dog is part of responsible dog ownership. It provides important mental stimulation and is a great way to get to know each other.

We recommend reward-based training to motivate and teach your dog, from an early age.

Training classes help you understand how your dog learns and provides opportunities for your dog to develop important social skills.

How to find a dog trainer

Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, even if they don't have the appropriate knowledge and skills. It's important to find a good trainer as some training methods can be harmful or lead to behaviour problems.

The Animal Behaviour and Training Council sets and oversees standards of professional competence and animal welfare in the training and behaviour therapy of animals.

ABTC Registered Animal Training Instructors have been assessed as having the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience to support you and your pet. ABTC registered professionals will teach you how to train your dog ethically and in a way that meets your dog's welfare needs. 

Find an ABTC Registered Animal Training Instructor.

What to look for in a good training class

Observe a training class without your dog before joining. This gives you the opportunity to see if you feel comfortable with the instructor and methods being used.

Things to look for:

• Dog behaviour - on the first day some dogs may be anxious. Does the instructor and/or assistants help the anxious dog and their owner? In later classes the dogs should be relaxed and interested. Be wary if dogs are cowering, have their tail between their legs, or do not make eye contact.
• Training methods - look for reward-based training methods with food, play or toys. Don't join the class if training techniques rely on fear, pain, choke chains, shouting, or hitting.
• Class size - the APDT (UK) recommends no more than 8 puppies in a class with an instructor and 1 assistant.
• Environment - Is the class calm and quiet? Lots of shouting or barking indicates high-stress levels.
• Tailored for the individual - dogs are motivated by different things and progress at different rates. Does the class allow dogs to feel relaxed before participating in activities?
• On topic - instructors should not give advice about medical issues or serious behavioural issues. Owners should be advised to speak to their vet or a clinical animal behaviourist.

Toilet training a dog | Pet Lovers

 

Toilet training a dog

Toilet training is an important part of dog ownership, whether you're getting a puppy or an adult dog, you need to know how to house train them properly. Puppies need to learn basic control and training is an important bonding experience between you both.

If you're toilet training an adult dog that hasn't been trained properly before, the stages will be the same, however it may take longer.

When you begin toilet training you need to give your dog plenty of opportunities to go. The main times are when they wake up, after every meal, before bed and after they've been left alone.

There are signs that your dog will show when they need to go toilet:

• fidgeting,
• sniffing around,
• beginning to circle before squatting.

Toilet training steps

When you recognise the signs that your dog is thinking about toileting:

• Take them to the correct place so that you can reward them when they go. Try to take them to the same place each time.
• When they begin to  toilet use a command they can associate with the correct behaviour, eg. 'be quick'.
• When they've finished reward them immediately with lots of praise, a treat or play.
• Before going back inside, walk your dog around or play for a bit. This way they don't learn that going to the toilet ends time outside, which could mean they hold onto the last minute before going.
• If you notice your dog about to go in the wrong place, interrupt them but in a way that doesn't punish them. Take them calmly towards the correct place and give them lots of praise when they toilet there. Don't shout otherwise your dog may learn that it's only safe to go when you're not around.

What to do if there's an accident

• Never punish your dog if you find an accident after the event or as it's happening. Your dog may become scared and confused as they won't associate the punishment with the accident.
• Simply clean the area using a warm solution of biological washing powder and rinse with water. This should remove the smell and reduce the chance of your dog using this area again.
• There are different reasons for toileting indoors, e.g. anxiety, so if you're concerned seek advice from your vet.

Continue taking your dog outside and reward them with lots of praise when they go and eventually they'll ask to go outside to toilet.

How to train your dog to leave something alone | Pet Lovers

 

How to train your dog to leave something alone

Some dogs can find it quite worrying and threatening when we take something away from them, especially something they value such as food or toys.

But sometimes as owners we do need to take things away, for example when they¿ve picked up something dangerous or when they are playing with your favourite scarf instead of a toy.

Teaching your dog to 'leave' is about teaching them that it's OK to have something taken away because it means they¿ll be rewarded.  

Teaching your dog to leave something alone:

1. Offer your dog a tasty treat and encourage them to "take it" in an upbeat, friendly voice.
2. Hold a treat in your hand with your fist closed around it. - Your dog will likely try to nudge and lick your hand to get the treat out - don¿t respond to any of these attempts.  
3. Wait patiently and don't say anything. Wait for your dog to back-off from your hand, even just slightly/momentarily. As soon as they back-off and there is a small gap between your hand and your dog's nose, open your hand,  release the treat and give them lots of praise.  
4. Repeat these three steps until they consistently make the choice to move away from the treat.  
5. Once your dog is consistently moving away from the treat you can start to add in the cue-word 'leave'. Say this as they back off in a gentle tone and then open your hand to give them the treat and lots of praise.  
6. Practice this many times in short, regular sessions.

 

Advanced lesson:

Once your dog has made the association between the word 'leave' and backing off from the treat, you can start to make it harder:

Place a treat on your open palm - meaning your dog can see and smell it. Ask your dog to leave it by saying 'leave'.

• If your dog stays away from the treat you should reward them with lots of praise and a treat from the other hand. If your dog goes to take the treat from your open palm, simply close your hand up and wait for them to back-away.  
• Give them a treat from the other hand when they successfully manage to leave the treat in your open hand.